Safe Until Served: Hidden Risks of Ready-to-Eat Foods in Retail and Foodservice with Michelle Wollenzein (Part 2) – Episode 23

Presented By Sani Professional

In Part 2 of this episode, Dr. Hal King continues his conversation with Michelle Wollenzein, diving deeper into the operational practices that keep ready-to-eat foods safe after they arrive at a foodservice establishment. From maintaining the cold chain to building a strong food safety culture, they explore the everyday decisions that can make the difference between safe service and preventable risk.


In this episode, Michelle discusses the critical role of cold chain, managing time as a public health control, and implementing effective date marking practices. She also explores common causes of cross-contamination, practical strategies to reduce risk in day-to-day operations, and why ongoing food safety training is essential for every team member. The conversation concludes with insights on creating a strong food safety culture where safe behaviors become part of everyday operations, not just a compliance requirement.

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About the author

Michelle Wollenzein, Founder, InnoSafe Foods

Michelle Wollenzien is the founder of InnoSafe Foods and a food safety leader with more than 20 years of experience spanning retail, food service, and food manufacturing. She spent 16 years with H-E-B Grocery Company, including 14 years in Corporate Food Safety and Quality, where she worked across procurement, research and development, supplier management, and cross-functional teams to develop and implement innovative food safety and quality programs throughout the retail supply chain.

Today, Michelle partners with companies across the food industry to build practical, science-based food safety solutions. She collaborates with consulting firms, including Active Food Safety and KTLO Solutions, on food safety, emergency preparedness, and business continuity initiatives. She also advises AI companies developing technologies that are shaping the future of food safety and supply chain management.

Michelle is a speaker, educator, and passionate advocate for building food safety cultures that protect both businesses and consumers.

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